AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15002, 25 May 1912, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.— Association.— Copyright. EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATIONS. CKoceived May 24. 9.25 p.m.) >< Sydnet, May 24. Ax incessant and soaking rain spoiled the outdoor Empire day celebrations. The bulk of the schools held indoor . demonstrations: of the usual patriotic description. A-large and enthusiastic gathering took place at the Royal Exchange, which was appropriately decorated. The Cathedral choir sang patriotic anthems and songs. " ELECTRICIAN ELECTROCUTED. (Received May 24. 11 p.m.) Stdnbt, May 24, An electrician, named Byrnes, while fixing wires to a pole, was caught between two of them, and was electrocuted. THE LXTHOOW IRONWORKS. , Sydnet, May 24. Mr. Griffiths (Works. Minister) has decided, after the late Boyal Commission's findings, to have no dealing " with the i Lithgow ironworks, but ha will allow i Government contractors to use the firm's iron and steel after the most stringent tests. MOTOR OARS FOR RAILWAYS. Brisbane, May 24. The Queensland Government has accepted an American tender for five motor cars for the railways at £4525 each. HOURS OE BUTCHERS' ASSISTANTS. StDNEY, May 24. Tho butchers' shop assistants have de- ! cided not to work later than six o'clock ' on Saturday evenings after June 1. FIRE AT CABINET WORKS. Melbourne, May 24. A fire at Buckley and Nunn's cabinet works partially gutted the works. The damage is estimated at several thousand pounds. - - j( : FINGER-PRINT EVIDENCE. 1 MELBornBLNE, May 24. The Chief Justice, in delivering the High Court's refusal of an appeal from a conviction on finger-print evidence, said, as signatures were accepted &a evidence, finger-prints were really mgiutfrcres, . TwV coincides with the view.: of the majority of tto State 'Soli Courts, ,i > : : . - , '>-'<:■"...-.' . i